Philadelphia man receives 38-month federal prison sentence for commissioning videos depicting the torture of monkeys.

Robert Berndt, a 43-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was sentenced this week to 38 months in federal prison for his involvement in a heinous animal cruelty scheme that included commissioning the torture and sexual abuse of monkeys in Indonesia. The sentencing reflects the gravity of his actions, which involved participating in an online chat group that disseminated videos of extreme animal mutilation.

According to court filings from the Department of Justice, Berndt was an active member of a digital community where participants discussed and shared videos portraying severe animal suffering. Prosecutors noted that Berndt’s fixation on particularly gruesome forms of torture was unparalleled, and he frequently advocated for more extreme acts of cruelty. His communications revealed a disturbing enthusiasm for acts of violence against animals, as evidenced by his reactions to videos showcasing such abuse.

Court documents reveal that Berndt expressed a desire for prolonged suffering rather than a swift demise for the animals involved. His messages, under the alias “Requiem Rhythm,” illustrate a chilling mindset; he both praised the bloodshed in grisly clips and offered suggestions on how to heighten the pain inflicted upon the creatures. In discussions specifically about monkeys, Berndt directed that the tormentors focus on inflicting pain on the animals’ genital regions.

In addition to talking about the torment they wished to inflict, Berndt and his accomplices actively sought out videographers in Indonesia to produce customized videos of animal torture, often for as little as . The targeted species in these videos predominantly included long-tailed macaques, a primate native to Southeast Asia. Prosecutors also pointed out that Berndt and a co-conspirator entertained the idea of purchasing a baby monkey that was being advertised for sale, fantasizing about meeting to engage in acts of cruelty together.

Berndt was arrested after being indicted in April. He pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to create and distribute videos that depict serious bodily injury to non-human mammals, also referred to in legal terms as “crush videos.” Five other participants in the chat group faced indictments, with at least two subsequently receiving prison sentences for their roles in the criminal enterprise.

At the sentencing, Berndt’s family members made appeals for leniency, citing his past as a reliable and caring individual who later succumbed to struggles stemming from a history of sexual assault and opioid addiction. They depicted a transformation into a person marked by paranoia and isolation, turning to online communities that fostered this disturbing behavior.

Nonetheless, prosecutors contested the notion that Berndt was merely a follower within the group. They emphasized that he not only participated actively but also helped establish the structure and rules governing the community. Ultimately, Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. of the Southern District of Ohio imposed the 38-month sentence along with three years of probation, sending a firm message regarding the legal repercussions for those who engage in animal cruelty.

The troubling case has garnered attention as a stark reminder of the real-world implications of online behavior and the urgency of addressing animal abuse in any form. As online platforms continue to be scrutinized for their roles in facilitating such harmful activities, the conversation surrounding animal rights and accountability only grows more pressing.